Primary Open Angle Glaucoma

There are numerous types of glaucoma, but Primary Open Angle Glaucoma is the most common. It is often referred to as “the silent thief of sight” because there are no symptoms until the vision is severely and irreversibly damaged. Glaucoma is normally detected by an optometrist at a routine eye check and its incidence increases with age; 1 in 10 Australians over the age of 80 will develop glaucoma. You are more likely to develop glaucoma if you have a family history, are myopic (short sighted) or have a history of eye trauma.

Glaucoma damages the optic nerve (also called “the optic disc”) within the eye. Over time this leads to loss of peripheral vision or tunnel vision and in severe cases can even lead to blindness. The damage is permanent and irreversible. This damage is due to raised pressure inside the eye (“intraocular pressure or IOP”). Think of the eye as a car tyre – if the pressure of the tyre is too high over a long period of time then it will wear out. The same applies to your eyes.

Simulation of the loss of peripheral vision due to Open Angle Glaucoma.

Illustration of a healthy optic nerve next to an optic nerve with Open Angle Glaucoma.

The front part of the eye contains fluid called aqueous that is produced by a number of pump cells inside the eye called the ciliary body. This fluid passes through the pupil and across a membrane called the trabecular meshwork. In glaucoma the trabecular meshwork is unable to drain all of the fluid that the pump cells produce. This leads to an increase in the intraocular pressure. The reason that glaucoma is sometimes called the silent thief of sight is that you don’t feel this increase in pressure. Over many years, despite you not feeling anything, this elevate pressure will damage your optic nerve and vision.

How do you test for Glaucoma?

At your appointment Doctor Cronin will analyse the results of numerous tests to assess your glaucoma.

If your ophthalmologist isn’t performing these tests then early glaucoma damage may be missed until it’s too late.

What Treatment is available for Glaucoma?

There are many treatments for glaucoma and Dr Cronin will discuss those that are best for you at your appointment.

Treatments include:

Eye drops to either reduce the aqueous fluid production or increase its outflow

A LASER treatment called selective LASER trabeculoplasty (“SLT”). This is a painless LASER procedure that increases the drainage of fluid out of the eye.

If you are having or have had cataract surgery performed then you may be able to have an istent™ inserted to lower the IOP without drops. This stent bypasses the trabecular meshwork to increase the flow of fluid out of the eye.

In severe cases of glaucoma other surgical procedures such as a trabeculectomy, Baerveldt tube or cyclodiode LASER may be required.

Join Glaucoma Australia for more information and updates on developments in Glaucoma - www.glaucoma.org.au